NINE MEN were arrested during raids at two restaurants in Didcot last Thursday.

The Home Office Immigration Enforcement visited Indian Dream restaurant, in Wantage Road, and Sun Koshi Tandoor in the Broadway at about 6pm.

Officers spoke to staff to see if they had the right to be and work in the UK.

The Home Office said that six Indian men aged, 25, 28, 29, 32, 37 and 47 were arrested at Indian Dream for various immigration offences.

They added that four men were being detained while steps were being taken to remove them from the country.

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Two others were released while their cases are examined, but will continue to report to the Home Office.

The Home Office added that three men aged 25, 33 and 49, from Nepal were arrested at Sun Koshi Tandoor.

Two of the men are currently being detained and one has been released while his case continues.

Paul Smith, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “Illegal working undercuts honest employers, defrauds the public purse and cheats legitimate job hunters out of employment opportunities.

“We are happy to work with employers to explain the simple checks that need to be carried out to establish a person’s right to work in the UK.

“The message to those who choose to ignore the rules is clear. We will find you and you will face a heavy financial penalty.

“I would ask anyone with specific and detailed information about suspected illegal working to get in touch.”

The owners of the businesses could be given a £20,000 penalty for each illegal worker found, unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks – such as seeing passport or Home Office document - were a carried out.